Accessibility is so important for keeping theatre alive, and the next generation of budding theatre creatives and performers shouldn’t be excluded from consuming it as they pursue their studies in the dramatic arts. As someone who studied a creative degree in London, I know how overwhelming it can feel pursuing an artistic endeavour in the capital and heart of UK theatre. During this cost of living crisis where it feels like we all need to make sacrifices, the last thing you should sacrifice is your chance to immerse yourself in the arts during your studies.
It’s been amazing seeing the variety of London theatres and programmes continue making these commitments so anyone regardless of background can be inspired to continue creating and performing, and here are just ten of them that can help you save your pennies during your studies.
1. Masterclass
For people aged 16-30, this programme is designed to train and offer advice to aspiring on and offstage theatre creatives through workshops and talks with leading industry experts. Another perk they also offer is exclusive giveaways and discounts for a variety of shows from the newest West End musicals to dramatic Off-West End plays. I’ve used them before for their workshops and giveaways, and they have been nothing but amazing.
2. Totum Card
The number one card you need as a London drama student (besides a student Oyster), TOTUM saved my life when it came to pinching pennies at uni, and the best part is it offers discounts on theatre tickets. When signed up, you can get a 10% discount when you buy tickets through LoveTheatre.
3. National Theatre
Photo by Samuel Regan-Asante on Unsplash
One place I always loved visiting between lectures to relax or write up assignments was the National Theatre, and I still love going there now. On top of their amazing £10 Friday rush scheme, they offer discounts for 16-25 year-olds for all their shows staged at the South Bank.
4. Southwark Playhouse
Both located in Elephant and Castle , Southwark Playhouse Borough and the recently opened offer concessions for students, unemployed and disabled people as well as senior citizens. Responsible for staging some of the most popular new musicals and plays sen recently including Kiki’s Delivery Service, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and a little show you may have heard of called Operation Mincemeat, no drama student should get a case of FOMO when the next announced show comes along here.
5. Almeida Theatre
Responsible for staging some the most revered productions that have gone on to find success in the West End, this Islington based theatre offers student discounts.
6. GoLive Theatre Projects
GoLive Theatre Projects (formerly Mousetrap) is a non-profit organisation with a mission to make theatre accessible to people of disadvantaged backgrounds in London. When you join their GoLive club (if you’re aged between 16-24 years old), you can get tickets for the biggest West End shows for as little as £7!
7. Donmar Warehouse
From plays by rising playwrights to London premieres of Tony winning musicals, the Donmar Warehouse’s diverse array of shows adds some life to Covent Garden. Owned by Sam Mendes, Michael Grandage and Josie Rourke, they ensure young people can access their shows through their YOUNG+FREE scheme. For 16-25 year-olds, YOUNG+FREE offers thousands of free tickets for their shows throughout the year. No catches to be found in this one, except you’ll want to be quick signing up for their ballot!
8. Barbican Centre
Located near Moorgate, this concert stages everything from classical concerts to West End bound musucaks. It also offers the amazing Young Barbican programme for people aged 14-25. When you join, on top of getting tickets priced £5, £10 and £15 for their variety of exhibits, films and shows, you can get discounts in their cafes and gift shops!
9. The Young Vic
Only a few minutes down from the Old Vic, the Young Vic is putting their stamp on their commitment to accessibility by offering under-25 and student discounts for every production it stages as well as their famous £12 lucky dip tickets. All you need is to show your student ID when you approach their box office.
10. TodayTix
I may be cheating with this one as anyone can use it, but it’s always a good idea to try your luck of the draw at 10AM each morning so you have something to help you relax and unwind after a long day’s work of studying and lectures. Had I known about this app during my uni days, I would’ve ate it up!
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